Brown’s leadership campaign team includes old and new faces—some with deep federal ties

Working to clear his name amid allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety, and now trying to force his was back to political relevance, embattled Independent MPP-turned-leadership candidate of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives Patrick Brown has assembled a crack team of “ride or die” political operatives to help him muscle his way back to becoming […]
Some Liberal MPs frustrated with leadership for not sharing anti-abortion political strategy on Canada Summer Jobs program

Some Liberal MPs say they’re frustrated the party leadership did not share the political strategy with the caucus on why the government was so adamant on keeping the new controversial reproductive rights clause in the Canada Summer Jobs applications and are annoyed the uncalled-for “mistake” could risk their re-election chances in 2019 in socially-conservative ridings. […]
Indigenous rights, sexual harassment, engaging grassroots dominate final day of NDP policy convention

New Democrats agreed they want their party to demand a national inquiry into the “gross miscarriage of justice” in Colten Boushie’s shooting death and the RCMP’s handling of the case as well as confront sexual harassment in their own ranks. The two resolutions were passed Sunday during an emergency debate on the final day of […]
Add women, change politics by making parties pay, NDP says

As Ottawa becomes more embroiled in the anti-sexual harassment #MeToo movement, the New Democrats are renewing their call for the federal government to codify its support for having more women involved in politics as elected officials. On Feb. 6, NDP House leader Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Berthier-Maskinongé, Que.) tabled a notice for an opposition motion highlighting […]
Conservatives at Manning conference seek ways to court female, millennial, urban voters

Conservatives at last week’s Manning Networking Conference in Ottawa strategized how they can bridge the gap between their core 26 per cent voter base and the 51 per cent of Canadians open to voting for them, by appealing to women, millennials, and urban dwellers. The annual gathering of conservatives took place Feb. 8-11 at Ottawa’s […]
Expect Liberal budget to focus on science, women’s role in economy

OTTAWA—Thomas Mulcair got it right a few years back when, commenting on the approach of Stephen Harper’s government to the role of science in policy development, he said the Conservatives relied on “decision-based fact-making.” But, unfortunately for the NDP, it was Justin Trudeau’s Liberals who managed to capitalize in the 2015 election on a commitment […]
NDP MPs back leader’s decision to investigate caucus colleague Erin Weir

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s decision to announce that he had appointed a third-party investigator to look into harassment allegations against NDP MP Erin Weir, and to remove the MP from caucus duties, was a “wise move,” “necessary,” and took the “right tone,” say caucus colleagues, though Mr. Weir has said he doesn’t know what is being […]
PM declaration on anti-Black racism big on talk, light on action, say politicos, observers

Current and former Black Parliamentarians say it’s better late than never that the prime minister last week announced Canada’s recognition of a UN decade for people of African descent, three years into it, but some observers say they’re disappointed with the government’s lack of action to rectify inequalities affecting Black Canadians. On the eve of […]
Famous Five bids farewell to dynamo Isabel Metcalfe at Rideau Club shindig, after 20 years of service

OTTAWA—It was a farewell shindig Famous Five Ottawa’s Isabel Metcalfe will never forget. Nearly 150 of her closest friends, political players, co-workers, and her family members gathered at the historic Rideau Club in Ottawa on Monday night to celebrate her 20 years of service and leadership for the group. The Famous Five Ottawa foundation, named […]
Kinsella’s ‘affidavits’ column prompts speculation, PM, party leaders asked about sexual conduct as #MeToo hits the Hill

In response to some criticism that he fanned the flames of Ottawa’s rumour mill in a column he penned featuring a sensational story of a “very powerful” politician who used affidavits to silence victims, Warren Kinsella says his assertions are true and he received so much reaction from people because they’ve heard “similar allegations.” “I […]